Women Entrepreneurs Tackle Barriers at Discussion Event

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More than three-hundred thousand women-owned businesses are in Los Angeles County, the highest county figure in the nation, according to the U.S Census Bureau. But according to the Kaufman Foundation, 70 percent of all businesses nationwide are still owned by men.

Carmen Rad owns CR&A Custom Banner. Her company makes billboards.

She’s run the company for 19 years, and still, some male clients will mistake her for an employee.

“I do have a male partner and I also see the difference sometimes of how even a client might reach out to him and try to go over me to get something done and then he’ll have to remind him that she’s the final say so," said Rad.

Rad also said she and other women said anecdotally that it’s harder for them than men to receive loans.

“You can have a wonderful presentation, you can have all your ducks in place, but the banking industry is still very..I don’t think they’re as women friendly as they should be.”

Kimberly Leonard, another women business owner in L-A and mother, said that though women are making advances in the business world, they still face the pressure of traditional demands at home.

“You know, being able to balance my son’s school and going on a fieldtrip and the things I want to do as a woman and as a mother. Versus, you know traditionally it’s more acceptable for dad to stay at the office all day and not have to attend to those other things.”

According to the U.S Small Business Administration, women entrepreneurs, particularly minorities, are the fastest and largest growing segment in the country.